HANOI – Molex today announced it is expanding its existing manufacturing operations in Hanoi to include a new 16,000 square meter facility.

I was all set this month to write about plating using additive manufacturing, but when someone pointed out just how subtractive the industry really is, it compelled a change in plans.

It came in the way of an email from Dr. Hayao Nakahara, the preeminent market researcher in the printed circuit industry. Naka, as he is known to friends, shared results of a months-long study of the North American PCB supply base.

This was no easy task. Naka started with the Fabfile database, long the favorite child of Harvey Miller. Harvey, who is about to hit 100 years old (!), gave Naka the keys to the car. In turn, Naka reached out to every company on that list, diligently revising and updating. The effort took more than three months.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- The automotive IC market share has steadily increased since 1998, growing from 4.7% of total IC sales that year to 7.4% in 2021.

SAN FRANCISCO -- A California environmental group is suing Cirexx International, alleging the manufacturer and assembler of printed circuit boards is polluting the local waterways.

TAIPEI -- A Foxconn subsidiary is purchasing a majority share in PCE Technology de Juarez, an electronics manufacturing services company focused on consumer electronics, for $361 million.

BANNOCKBURN, IL -- North American electronics manufacturing services (EMS) shipments in August were up 14.9% compared to a year ago and 9.5% sequentially.

BANNOCKBURN, IL – The economic picture in the US continues to dim and the likelihood of a recession next year continues to increase, according to IPC’s latest economic outlook report.

MILPITAS, CA — Global fab equipment spending for front-end facilities is expected to increase approximately 9% year-over-year to a new all-time high of $99 billion in 2022, SEMI announced today.

ATLANTA — The Electronic Components Industry Association today announced new guidance for noncancellable, nonreturnable components.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- Jabil today reported preliminary, unaudited fiscal fourth quarter net revenue of $9 billion, up 21.6% year-over-year.

BANNOCKBURN, IL — The 90-day moving average shipments of printed circuit boards by North American fabricators in August rose 15.1% from a year ago.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The SMTA is proud to honor the 2022 “Members of Distinction” award recipients who have shown exceptional dedication to the association and the electronics manufacturing industry.

The association’s highest honor, the Founder’s Award, recognizes members who have made exceptional contributions to the industry, as well as support and service to the SMTA. This year, the organization selected Irene Sterian (posthumously) to receive this prestigious award. In her corporate and industry leadership roles, Irene influenced and inspired many in the SMTA and the electronics industry for decades. She was an especially bright spark encouraging countless women in technology. A member since 2003, Irene served on the SMTA Global Board of Directors from 2004-09. She continued to support various SMTA conferences, committees, and mentorship efforts over the years. SMTA and the electronics industry have benefited immensely from Irene's contributions over the years and her death earlier this year was a great loss for everyone that knew her.

The Member of Technical Distinction Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and continuing technical contributions to the association. This year the Awards Committee selected Richard Coyle, Ph.D., Nokia Bell Labs, as the recipient of this award. A former VP of Technical Programs on the SMTA Global Board of Directors, Richard has presented numerous award-winning technical papers at SMTA conferences and supported several technical committees over the years. The Excellence in Leadership Award honors strong leaders who continue to support and elevate the association. This year the award goes to both Jeff Schake, ASM Assembly Systems, and Sherry Stepp, KYZEN Corporation. The SMTA thanks Sherry and Jeff for their many valuable years of service.

Jeff Schake joined SMTA in 2004 with regular participation in technical activities and committees over the years. Jeff has diligently supported his local Empire (NY) Chapter in a leadership role since 2016, becoming chapter president in 2019. His efforts have significantly improved the engagement of members within their chapter as well as at a global level.

Sherry Stepp has been an advocate for the SMTA on a national, international, and most recently at the local level. Since she joined SMTA in 2009 Sherry has been an important voice with the Marcom Committee, the Women’s Leadership Program, and the Expos Committee. Since 2020 she took on leadership roles with her local Huntsville chapter, first as President and most recently as VP of Membership.

The Excellence in International Leadership Award recognizes members who have provided outstanding support and leadership to the SMTA's international members, chapters, or educational programs. The recipient selected for this award is Morgana Ribas, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions. Morgana has been a prominent leader in the SMTA India – Bangalore Chapter for several years as well as supporting association activities globally.

Lockheed Martin received the SMTA+ Corporate Partnership Award this year. As a Corporate Bronze member, Lockheed Martin has shown support at every level of the association from supporting chapter leadership positions to technical contributions for conferences and committees. They embody the SMTA mission by encouraging employees to become members, attend meetings and share their knowledge. Lockheed Martin is most deserving of this honor.

SMTA has recognized exceptional individual and corporate members for their immeasurable contributions to the association since 1994.

PCB West: The leading technical conference and exhibition for electronics engineers. Coming Oct. 4-7 to the Santa Clara (CA) Convention Center. pcbwest.com